Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Prisons that, as at 04 December 2025, there was a total of 2,848 detainees in prisons.

27 With regard to part (a) of the question, I am also informed that there are, presently, 214 female detainees in our prisons. Regarding part (b) (i) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Prisons that there are 359 detainees who are HIV positive. Upon admission, all detainees undergo medical examination, which includes HIV testing. While some detainees are already aware of their HIV-positive status before their admission, others are diagnosed through the routine blood tests conducted on-site. Regarding these 359 HIV infected detainees, all of them were already living with HIV prior to their coming into prison. Madam Speaker, with respect to part (b) (ii) of the question, I presume that the hon. Member’s question pertains to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), which targets HIV viruses. I am informed by the Commissioner of Prisons that detainees who are diagnosed with HIV are immediately placed under antiretroviral therapy. The treatment is provided in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and national health protocols. The treatment is continuous and uninterrupted throughout detention, including during court appearances, hospital admissions, or transfers between prisons. I am also informed that awareness and sensitisation campaigns on HIV are organised by the Mauritius Prisons Service in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and the NGO Kinouété across all penal institutions throughout the year. For instance, in the context of the World AIDS Day, which was observed on 01 December this year, a candlelight vigil was held at the Eastern High Security Prison, Melrose, in memory of those who passed away with HIV in Mauritius.

Thank you. Hon. Babajee, is it alright? Hon. Edouard, Fourth Member for Rodrigues! DHYANAVARTAM LTD – SBM LOANS – INQUIRY STATUS